Memorial Sloan Kettering is transforming our understanding and treatment of cancer in a myriad of ways.

The word “transformation” perfectly characterizes and captures the past year at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Indeed, it’s the word we hear time and again on the lips of our clinicians, scientists, and other staff as they describe the progress we’ve made and what they know is to come.

The big, innovative ideas we’ve developed and the bold steps we’ve taken are transforming our understanding and treatment of cancer — and we recently have established programs and long-term approaches that develop these ideas and support these steps.

As July marks the end of one academic year and the start of the next, we thought this would be an ideal time to bring you up to date on some of our recent major accomplishments.

Streamlined and Accelerated Clinical Trials

In an effort to bring novel drugs and therapies to more patients in as timely a manner as possible, Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Clinical Research Paul Sabbatini led an extraordinary team in optimizing MSK’s clinical trials process. We now have two Institutional Review Boards, doubling our capacity to do clinical trial reviews. We’ve seen a remarkable decrease in the time between the review and approval of trials and a significant increase in the number of trials, with more patients participating.

Expansion in the Community

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, a unique new initiative established to improve the quality of cancer care and the lives of cancer patients beyond our own institution, was announced in 2013. Simultaneously, we introduced the Alliance’s first member, Hartford HealthCare, a five-hospital system in Connecticut. The MSK Cancer Alliancewill allow more patients access to our clinical trials. It will also offer them the benefits of precision medicine, as we translate molecular insights into innovations such as the latest diagnostic tests and targeted therapies. Clinical and administrative teams led by Richard R. Barakat, Deputy Physician-in-Chief for the Regional Care Network and MSK Cancer Alliance, are now focusing on preparations to fully implement the program later this year.

New Regional Sites

MSK’s network of regional sites continues to develop, beginning with our new ambulatory care facility in Harrison, New York, slated to open this fall. Our regional facilities ensure that patients are able to receive Memorial Sloan Kettering’s outstanding cancer care closer to home.

Partnership with IBM Watson

Our Physician-in-Chief, José Baselga, has brought energy and innovation to many important areas, including molecular oncology. As part of this effort, he has participated in MSK’s partnership with IBM in developing a powerful cancer resource, IBM Watson Oncology, built on the IBM Watson cognitive computing platform. It will provide medical professionals everywhere with improved access to current, comprehensive cancer data and practices.

Naming of a New Sloan Kettering Institute Director

The year included the appointment of Joan Massagué as the Director of the Sloan Kettering Institute. An exemplary scientist whose research has produced results central to the understanding of cancer, Dr. Massagué has led SKI’s Cancer Biology and Genetics Program since 2003 and has been part of the SKI community since 1989, when he joined us as the Alfred P. Sloan Chair of SKI’s Cell Biology Program. His scientific acumen and invaluable expertise coupled with his ability to unite people will keep MSK at the forefront of cancer research.

Launch of the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute

In 2013, we established the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute (Tri-I TDI) , a joint venture between MSK, Weill Cornell Medical College, and The Rockefeller University. The Tri-I TDI has entered into an initial partnership with Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company, to assist investigators at the three institutions in developing small-molecule therapeutic agents and molecular probes for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and other human diseases.

Founding of the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology

A $100 million gift from the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Foundation has allowed us to create the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology (CMO). This new center will make it possible to realize the promise of precision oncology and support the development of new, individualized cancer therapies and diagnostic tools. Among the aims of the CMO are to analyze more than 10,000 patient tumors in the first year alone, with an eye toward offering molecular analysis for every type of cancer and for all MSK patients. Mrs. Kravis has been a member of MSK’s Boards of Overseers and Managers since 2000 and is Chair of the Board of the Sloan Kettering Institute.

Creation of the David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research

With an initial commitment of $10 million, MSK Board member David M. Rubenstein paved the way for yet another ambitious initiative. Called the David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research , it brings together MSK’s outstanding physicians and an expanding group of scientists in an intensive program designed to speed progress in understanding and treating one of the deadliest types of cancer — and one that has been relatively understudied.

Development of New Treatments and Improved Diagnoses

Also among MSK’s many accomplishments in 2013 were the development of important new treatments for prostate cancer and improved ways to diagnose leukemia, endometrial cancer, and salivary gland cancer. Our scientists also determined the structure of a complex protein (mTOR) that plays a role in many forms of cancer.

Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer

While it is impossible to list all of MSK’s scientific achievements, one in particular deserves special mention. In 2013, Science magazine identified the development of immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer as the most important scientific advance of the year — in all fields. The magazine cited the efforts of two groups of MSK investigators as exceptional.

Singled out by Science was the collaborative preclinical and clinical work of Jedd D. Wolchok, Chief of our Melanoma and Immunotherapeutics Service, and immunologist James P. Allison (formerly at MSK, now at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston), for their development of a drug called ipilimumab (Yervoy™), approved by the FDA in 2011 for the treatment of metastaticmelanoma. The other work came from Michel Sadelain, Director of the Center for Cell Engineering, and his colleagues Renier J. Brentjens, Director of Cellular Therapeutics, and Isabelle Rivière, Director of the CellTherapy and Cell Engineering Facility. These investigators played a seminal role in the development of a major area of research highlighted by the magazine: a cell-based targeted immunotherapy called chimericantigenreceptor, or CAR, therapy. Chimeric antigen receptors are a new class of drugs in oncology with the potential to be applied to many types of cancer.

We stand on the brink of opportunities in cancer research that are leading to discoveries inconceivable a mere decade ago. And today, the gifted men and women of Memorial Sloan Kettering are translating these discoveries into treatment realities.

Cindy, thank you for your comment. We spoke to several companies from US and abroad and are still speaking to several companies about new partnerships. MSK first worked with the company (Takeda) that provided us with a great partnership for small molecules.

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analysis (uh-NA-lih-sis)

A process in which anything complex is separated into simple or less complex parts.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

antigen (AN-tih-jen)

Any substance that causes the body to make a specific immune response.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cell (sel)

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

chimeric (ky-MEER-ik)

Having parts of different origins. In medicine, refers to a person, organ, or tissue that contains cells with different genes than the rest of the person, organ, or tissue. This may happen because of a mutation (genetic change) that occurs during development, or as a result of a transplant of cells, organs, or tissues from another person or from a different species. In the laboratory, a chimeric protein can be made by combining two different genes. For example, a chimeric antibody is made by joining antibody genes from two different species, such as human and mouse.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul)

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

drug (drug)

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

endometrial (EN-doh-MEE-tree-ul)

Having to do with the endometrium (the layer of tissue that lines the uterus).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

Ensure (en-SHER)

A nutritional drink that may help people who cannot get everything they need in their diet from foods and other drinks. It may be taken by mouth or given through a small tube inserted through the nose into the stomach or the small intestine. It may also be given through a small tube that is put into the stomach or intestinal tract through an opening made on the outside of the abdomen. Ensure is a type of dietary supplement. Also called polymeric enteral nutrition formula.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

FDA

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The FDA also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called Food and Drug Administration.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

gland (gland)

An organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

immunotherapy (IH-myoo-noh-THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Agents used in immunotherapy include monoclonal antibodies, growth factors, and vaccines. These agents may also have a direct antitumor effect. Also called biological response modifier therapy, biological therapy, biotherapy, and BRM therapy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

ipilimumab (ih-pih-LIH-myoo-mab)

A drug used to treat melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body or that cannot be removed by surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Ipilimumab binds to a substance called CTLA-4, which is found on the surface of T cells (a type of white blood cell). Ipilimumab may block CTLA-4 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called MDX-010 and Yervoy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

joint (joynt)

In medicine, the place where two or more bones are connected. Examples include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and jaw.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

leukemia (loo-KEE-mee-uh)

Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

M

In chemistry, M is the amount of a substance that has 6.023 x 10(23) atoms or molecules of that substance. Also called mole (chemical).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

medicine (MEH-dih-sin)

Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

melanoma (MEH-luh-NOH-muh)

A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik)

Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

Network

A group of physicians, specialists, hospitals, outpatient centers, pharmacies, and other providers who has signed a contract with an insurance company to provide healthcare services to their subscribers.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

oncology (on-KAH-loh-jee)

The study of cancer.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

protein (PROH-teen)

A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

receptor (reh-SEP-ter)

A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

regional (REE-juh-nul)

In oncology, describes the body area right around a tumor.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

scientist (SY-en-tist)

A person who has studied science, especially one who is active in a particular field of investigation.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)

In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapeutic (THAYR-uh-PYOO-tik)

Having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)

Treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

thyroid (THY-royd)

A gland located beneath the larynx (voice box) that makes thyroid hormone and calcitonin. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism. Also called thyroid gland.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

will (wil)

A legal document in which a person states what is to be done with his or her property after death, who is to carry out the terms of the will, and who is to care for any minor children.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)